Agenda and minutes

Bob Stock, Streetpride Principal Network Engineer, to report.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Streetpride Principal Network Engineer, relating to a proposal to amend the current charges made for a range of highway services.

Specific reference was made to:-

(i)                   NRSWA Section 50 licence

(ii)                 Temporary planned road closure

(iii)                Placing of skips on the highway

(iv)                Enhanced inspection regime, including additional charge for difficult inspections from undertakers

Those present commented on:-

-                      likely environmental consequences of increased skip charges

-                      income generation

-                      impact on voluntary organisations

-                      comparative charges made by adjacent local authorities, within the Yorkshire region and countrywide

Resolved:-  That the proposed revised charges for established highway services, as detailed in the report now submitted, be implemented with effect from 1^st September, 2010.

Martin Beard, Parking Manager, to report.

Further to Minute No. 51 of the joint meeting of the Cabinet Members for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation and Streetpride held on 1^st March, 2010, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Parking Services Manager, reviewing charges for on-street and off-street parking.

It was reported that it was proposed that the charges for parking in on-street pay and display bays and off-street car parks be increased generally by 10%.  This increase would offset the cost of operating the service and would be implemented with effect from 30^th September, 2010.

It was pointed out that there was a risk of a level of resistance to the increased charges and that there was currently pressure from individuals and organisations, such as Rotherham Chamber, to consider lower charges.

The following issues were also discussed:-

-                      Free after Three

-                      Free Parking on Saturdays

-                      Cost of permits

Resolved:-  (1)  That the proposed charges, as detailed in the submitted report, be implemented with effect from 30^th September 2010.

(2)  That, as a matter of priority, the Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services and the Director of Streetpride consider the cessation of the Free After Three and Free parking on Saturdays initiatives and submit a report to the next meeting of the relevant Cabinet Member.

(3)  That an appropriate press release in respect of car parking charges be issued.

Adrian Gabriel, Waste Strategy Manager, to report.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Projects Customer Interface Officer, detailing options for charging for the replacement of wheeled bins.

Reference was made to a benchmarking exercise that had been carried out with other Councils within the sub-region and across the country.

It was proposed that charges be introduced as follows:-

• Occupiers of new developments for refuse and recycling containers (including delivery)
• For 240 litre black wheeled bins (including delivery)
• For delivery only of green wheeled bin, but residents can collect free of charge from depot

In addition it was proposed that there be five exemption categories:-  fired bins, stolen bins, damaged bins (by RMBC), extra 140 litre residual bin for large families and Rothercard (50% discount on bin and delivery).

In respect of stolen bins it was clarified that a police incident number would be needed.

It was pointed out that the proposals would generate income and assist in maintaining waste management services.  Also a new process and payment system would need to be established.

It was noted that the proposals may lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour, fly tipping and thus the need for increased enforcement.

Resolved:-  (1)  That Options 1, 2 and 6, and exemptions detailed in the report now submitted be approved.

(2)  That the charges be implemented as soon as possible, but no later than the end of September, 2010.

(3)  That charges are based on the principle of pre-payment for the service.

(4)  That a further report on the impact of the policy be submitted to the relevant Cabinet Member in six months time.